Liverpool centre-back Daniel Agger has pledged his future to the club and is
happy to shoulder greater responsibility in the wake of Jamie Carragher's
departure.

Manager Brendan Rodgers' defence may need significant surgery over the summer with Sebastian Coates seemingly destined for the exit and the future of Martin Skrtel - who lost his place to Carragher in January - uncertain.

However, Agger is happy at Anfield and the 28-year-old insists he is committed to his contract, which does not expire until 2016, despite him being linked with the likes of Manchester City and Barcelona 12 months ago.

"I still have three years left and I intend to fulfil them," the Denmark captain said. "There are always rumours, but who is creating them? I don't know.

"It is not a bad thing to be linked with top clubs but you have to take 70 per cent (of the speculation) off and then you have the reality."

Carragher retiring at the end of this season leaves Agger as the most experienced defender at the club, having moved to Anfield in January 2006.